Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
9074 results(153 / 363)
Baltimore County Government Education/Entrepreneurship and Marketing- Community Gardens
2021Unwana I. Udoh, Aditya Deshpande, Bhavin Kothari, Cristián Ortíz, Mohit Jaju, Ridwan Ahmed, Chris Pitts, Christian Lopez, Sherry Chen, Hao Jiang, Njeri Warrington, Hunter Petrik, Stephanie Zheng · University Libraries (University of Maryland) · United States (Baltimore County)
This project, conducted in Baltimore County, was divided into two teams: education/entrepreneurship and marketing. The education/entrepreneurship team assessed residents' awareness of existing community gardens, identified reasons for low participation, and developed gardening educational resources. The marketing team focused on determining optimal locations for community gardens through site selection and marketing strategies, including social media campaigns.
CommunityFood educationPolicyPotential Toxic Elements Accumulation in Several Food Species Grown in Urban and Rural Gardens Subjected to Different Conditions
2021Sabina Rossini Oliva, Rafael López Núñez · Agronomy · Spain
This study investigated potential toxic element contamination in food and soils from urban and rural gardens in Seville, Spain, including urban gardens in a mining area. Soils from mining gardens were the most contaminated. While arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in studied vegetables did not exceed legal maximum levels, high levels of barium (up to 42 mg kg−1) and zinc (up to 123 mg kg−1) were found in leafy green vegetables like chard and lettuce, indicating a need for further study on associated human health risks.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageHEAVY METALS IN FOOD CROPS: IDEAL SOURCES AND ROLES OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN FACILITATING THEIR CONSUMPTION- A REVIEW
2021Nazir Muhammad Abdullahi, Ernest Chukwusoro IGWE, Munir Abba Dandago, Naima Umar · FUDMA Journal of Sciences · Global
This review discusses heavy metal contamination in food crops, identifying wastewater irrigation, agrochemical abuse, contaminated fields, atmospheric deposition, and unethical mining as primary sources. Agricultural soil in urban and peri-urban areas is heavily contaminated due to anthropogenic activities, with wastewater irrigation intensifying this contamination. Heavy metals are transferred to food crops during production and subsequently to humans upon consumption, posing a detrimental risk.
Contamination & food safetyHealthUrban–rural linkageDEVELOPMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS PLACES ON PALU RIVERSIDES
2021Wildani Pingkan S. Hamzens, Meidy Widayanto Moestopo · AGROLAND The Agricultural Sciences Journal (e-Journal) · Indonesia
This research aimed to formulate a sustainable agricultural spatial innovation for the development of agribusiness places on Palu Riversides. Field observation, satellite image map observation, and literature review were used as methods. The results indicated that implementing sustainable agriculture through agribusiness place development in urban areas could utilize open spaces designated as green open space zones on the Palu Riversides, specifically the River Green Area outside the riparian zone and the river overflow runoff area.
PolicyUrban–rural linkageCommunityHeavy metals and metalloids concentrations across UK urban horticultural soils and the factors influencing their bioavailability to food crops
2021Marta Crispo, Miriam C. Dobson, Roscoe S. Blevins, William Meredith, Janice A. Lake, Jill L. Edmondson · Environmental Pollution · United Kingdom
Heavy metal (HM) and metalloid concentrations were assessed in 200 urban horticultural soils across ten UK cities. HM were found to be widespread, with most concentrations below UK soil screening values (C4SLs). However, 83% of lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded C4SLs, which is a significant concern. Bioavailable HM concentrations represented a small fraction (0.01–1.8%) of total concentrations, and black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) were suggested to contribute to HM immobilization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCommunityBiodiversityDesign of Flat With Neighborhood Space With Urban Farming Function In Medan
2021Adela Purba, Nelson Siahaan · International Journal of Architecture and Urbanism · Indonesia (Medan)
This study proposes a flat design in Medan, Indonesia, that integrates neighborhood spaces for urban farming. The design addresses the high density and lack of communal spaces in existing flats by creating green open areas for social interaction and productive urban farming. The design process involved field studies, physical data collection, literature review, and an Ecological Architecture approach to meet user needs and reduce urban environmental problems.
CommunityUrban–rural linkagePolicyHousing Management and Its Relationship with Productive Initiatives Targeted at Low-Income Groups in Rosario (Argentina)
2021Marcelo Salgado, Sabrina Cáceres, Marta Basuino, Nora Gancedo, Claudio Vizia, Sebastián Rodríguez, Laura Gurría · · Argentina (Rosario)
This paper focuses on social housing projects linked with productive undertakings for low-income groups in Rosario, Argentina. It examines experiences such as the Urban Agriculture Program, Rosario Habitat Program, and Housing Cooperatives, which integrate habitat with productive initiatives. The research aims to formulate recommendations for the participatory management of social housing and its articulation with these undertakings, including the promotion of multidisciplinary teams through training workshops.
WelfareCommunityPolicyEconomicsRooftop Gardening a Modern Approach of Production in Urban Areas: A Review
2021Mukesh Choudhary, Abha Rawat · Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika · Global
This review examines rooftop horticulture as an innovative solution for urban cultivation, addressing limited space in cities. It provides an interdisciplinary assessment of various development approaches and forms of rooftop horticulture, drawing on existing experiences and offering suggestions for planning sustainable cities. The review notes that some urban rooftop gardens utilize mineral fertilizers and pesticides.
DIYPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeUrban Agriculture Retrofitting within Residential Buildings; A Comparative Analysis between New Cairo and Nasr City
2021Nourhan Ashraf, Ghada Farouk, Marwa Khalifa · Engineering Research Journal · Egypt
This study conducted a comparative analysis of the physical applicability and social acceptability of urban agriculture (UA) retrofitting in residential buildings in New Cairo and Nasr City, Egypt. Site visits and face-to-face questionnaires were used, revealing spatial alternatives for UA applicability. The results also showed residents' needs for more green areas and their differing preferences and concerns regarding UA retrofitting within residential buildings.
CommunityUrban–rural linkageANALISIS MOTIVASI PEMANFAATAN PEKARANGAN UNTUK PERTANIAN PERKOTAAN DI KABUPATEN BUNGO
2021Supriyati Supriyati · JAS (Jurnal Agri Sains) · Indonesia (Muara Bungo)
A descriptive study was conducted in Muara Bungo City, Indonesia, with 79 respondents to identify the levels of environmental, economic, health, and social/community motivation for utilizing yards for farming. The study found that people's motivations, from high to low, were health, environmental, economic, and social/community motivations.
CommunityHealthEconomicsFood educationAssessing the Information Seeking Behavior of Urban Farmers to Design an Integrated Extension Model
2021Anju Abraham, R. Arunachalam · Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology · Global
A study from December 2020 to March 2021 in Ernakulam and Calicut districts, Kerala, India, investigated the information seeking behavior and utilization constraints of urban farmers. Findings indicated that farmers' information needs ranged from selecting nutritious food crops to marketing surplus produce. Based on this, an integrated urban farming extension model was designed for effective information dissemination to farmers.
Food educationCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceImpact of landscape dynamics and intensities on the ecological land of major cities in Ethiopia
2021Mekonnen Amberber Degefu, Mekuria Argaw, Gudina Legese Feyisa, Sileshi Degefa · ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH · Ethiopia
This study characterized and compared the Spatio-temporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa cities in Ethiopia for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images, field observations, and urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geo-spatial data analysis. Results showed that in all cities, ecological land had changed intensely regarding its quantity and spatial pattern, and the substantial expansion of built-up ecosystems was manifested at the cost of ecological land.
Environmental trade-offsUrban–rural linkageClimate changePolicyKajian Campuran Media Tanam Terhadap Hasil Seledri (Apium graveolens L.)
2021Mahmudah Hamawi, Use Etica · Prosiding Sains Nasional dan Teknologi · Indonesia (East Java)
This study aimed to examine the effect of growing media mixtures on celery yield. The research was conducted from May to June 2020 at the UNIDA Gontor Faculty of Science and Technology practice land in Ponorogo, East Java. A completely randomized design with one factor and five replications was used to compare four growing media mixtures (A=control, B=soil+compost+rice husk charcoal, C=soil+compost+wood charcoal, D=soil+compost+kitchen ash). Results showed that the soil and compost mixture produced the largest wet weight of celery leaves, which was not significantly different from the soil+compost+rice husk charcoal mixture, but significantly different from the soil+compost+kitchen ash mixture.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleUrban autonomous zones and the mitigation of climate disasters
2021Oliver Kellhammer · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · Global
This article explores how marginalized urban communities in North American cities create collective 'open-source' spaces like squats and guerrilla gardens to build social and environmental resilience against climate change emergencies. These spaces can mitigate the short and long-term effects of climate disasters, particularly in low-income neighborhoods facing overcrowding and infrastructure issues. The author provides personal accounts of involvement with a guerrilla garden in Vancouver and a community garden allied with squatters in New York's Lower East Side during Superstorm Sandy.
CommunityClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceRooftop Hydroponics: Opportunity for Urban Agriculture in Godawari Municipality of Nepal
2021Sunil Babu Shrestha, Bijan Shrestha, Marina Vaidya Shrestha · Nepal Journal of Science and Technology · Nepal
In Godawari Municipality, Nepal, this study explored the opportunity of rooftop hydroponics for urban agriculture. A questionnaire survey was conducted in ward-14 from November to December 2018, with a sample size of 64 households selected using stratified random sampling. Out of 64 respondents, 45 (71.31%) achieved high opportunity scores based on eight factors: Space, Willingness, Affordability, Manpower, Time, Knowledge, Technology, and Acceptance with incentives. This indicates a high opportunity for practicing rooftop hydroponics for urban agriculture in Godawari Municipality.
DIYEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceIdentifying potential applications for residual biomass from urban agriculture through eco-ideation: Tomato stems from rooftop greenhouses
2021Ana Manríquez-Altamirano, Jorge Sierra-Pérez, Pere Muñoz, Xavier Gabarrell · Journal of Cleaner Production · Global
This study proposed an eco-design methodology to upcycle tomato stems, identified as the most promising agro-urban solid waste from rooftop greenhouse tomato crops, for local "do-it-yourself" use. Researchers characterized tomato stems physically, chemically, and mechanically, then conducted a creative session with specialists to identify applications. Resulting concepts included "Fences and trellises," "Packaging," and "Boards, panels and blocks," providing data on stem characterization for broader biomass utilization.
Organic cycleDIYClimate changeSchool-Based Nutrition Programs for Adolescents in Dodoma, Tanzania: A Situation Analysis
2021Colette Rector, Nadhira Nuraini Afifa, Varun Gupta, Abbas Ismail, Dominic Mosha, Leonard K. Katalambula, Said Vuai, Tara A. Young, Elena C. Hemler, Dongqing Wang, Wafaie Fawzi · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Tanzania (Dodoma)
This study assessed adolescent school nutrition interventions in Dodoma, Tanzania, focusing on school vegetable gardens, school meals, and education. Focus group discussions with government stakeholders and interviews at ten public secondary schools revealed support for interventions. While all schools had experience with meals, parental contributions were crucial, and water availability for gardens was a challenge. Nutrition education was found to be highly theoretical, limiting practical application.
Food educationHealthCommunityReview: Potensi Pengembangan Pertanian Perkotaan oleh Lanjut Usia untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan
2021Reni Nurjasmi · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Global
This review examines the potential of urban agriculture by the elderly to support food security. While urban agriculture could produce 180 million tons of food globally per year, representing 10% of total global food production, it is currently insufficient to meet urban food needs, with urban food supply still heavily reliant on rural areas and imports. With an increasing urban elderly population, empowering seniors through urban agriculture technologies like vertical farming is proposed as an opportunity for food security.
Limited or null effectElderlyFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAn examination of adaptations of direct marketing channels and practices by Maryland fruit and vegetable farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic
2021Grace H. Bachman, Sara N. Lupolt, Mariya Strauss, Ryan David Kennedy, Keeve E. Nachman · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Maryland)
This study investigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maryland fruit and vegetable farmers and their adaptations of direct-to-consumer marketing channels. Interviews with 20 farm owners/managers revealed that Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers' markets, and pick-your-own channels provided high stability and financial security. Distribution channels incorporating online marketplaces with prepacked pre-orders were a notable strength for highly adaptive farmers. Common challenges included increased administrative workload, concerns about raising food prices during a crisis, and environmental concerns regarding additional packaging.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityCommunity gardens: contribution to food safety and social inclusion
2021Lucas Sales dos Santos, Milena De Moura Régis, Ana Paula Branco do Nascimento · Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades · Brazil (São Paulo)
This study investigated an organically grown community garden in the Previdência Municipal Park in the West Zone of São Paulo City, Brazil, through in-situ observations, interviews, and literature review. The findings indicated benefits for food and nutrition safety, interpersonal involvement, and environmental education. Key challenges identified were social leaderships, technical-scientific knowledge for organic productivity, and planning for project continuity.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cyclePendampingan Dan Pelatihan Peningkatan Ketahanan Pangan Dengan BUDIKDAMBER Desa Palur Kecamatan Mojolaban Kabupaten Sukoharjo
2021Tri Widianto, Lukman Ahmad Imron P · WASANA NYATA · Indonesia (Sukoharjo)
In Palur Village, Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency, Indonesia, 17 community members received 4 months of training and assistance on "Budikdamber" (fish cultivation in buckets) starting October 25, 2020. This activity involved practicing an aquaponics system combining catfish farming and water spinach hydroponics in limited land, aiming to enhance food security and promote economic self-reliance among participants. Following the training and assistance, participants were able to improve food security through Budikdamber.
Food educationCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsAnálise de viabilidade financeira da produção orgânica de morangos para comercialização local
2021Naiane Modri Fuzinatto, Jaciney Aparecida Danielli, Daniela Preschlak, Augusto Fischer · Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente · Brazil
This study presented a proposal for organic strawberry cultivation in urban spaces for a small producer and evaluated the financial viability of local sales. Through a qualitative and quantitative case study in Santa Catarina State, results indicated social and environmental benefits from adopting urban strawberry cultivation under an organic production system. Furthermore, the entire investment could be recovered in just over two years, representing a medium-term return on investment.
EconomicsOrganic cycleClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceComplementary analyses of soil microbial and chemical properties and human observation on augmented ecosystems in urban environment
2021Kousaku Ohta, Masatoshi Funabashi · Measurement Sensors · Global
This study achieved high biodiversity (over 200 plant species) on an urban rooftop garden using the Synecoculture method and analyzed soil microbial diversity, activity, and chemical properties over two years. Soil microbes gradually increased in diversity and activity after installation, showing a positive correlation with cation exchange capacity. After two years of continuous practice, human subjective evaluations were qualitatively consistent with objective data, suggesting that trained human subjectivity could be incorporated as part of assessment proxies in future ecosystem management research.
BiodiversityOrganic cycleCommunityDIYMitigating the Impact of Human Activities
2021Gail Hansen, Joseli Macedo · University Press of Florida eBooks · Global
Many ecological, political, and economic programs are available to help cities become more sustainable and protect the urban environment. Resilient city planning practices include climate change adaptations, renewable energy technology, reducing urban sprawl, improving urban agriculture and native species use, and using self-sustaining, biophilic buildings. Goals and strategies for implementing these practices rely on citizens accepting responsibility with pro-environmental behaviors that mitigate destructive impacts from development and maintenance practices.
Climate changePolicyCommunityBiodiversityEffects of Biochar and Compost Applications on Soil Properties and Growth Performance of Amaranthus sp. Grown at Urban Community Garden
2021Jemima Japakumar, Rosazlin Abdullah, Noor Sharina Mohd Rosli · AGRIVITA Journal of Agricultural Science · Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
A field study in an urban community garden in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, investigated the effects of biochar and compost on Amaranthus sp. growth and soil properties. Using a randomized complete block design with five treatments, the combination of biochar and compost significantly increased plant height, leaf count, leaf width, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weight, soil organic matter, and soil organic carbon content compared to other treatments. This combination showed the best effects in enhancing both soil properties and plant growth.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunity